Rental assistance is not one single program. Some programs reduce rent every month, some attach assistance to a particular apartment, and others provide one-time help during a crisis.
Understanding the differences can save time and help you apply to the programs that fit your situation.
Search rental assistance programs near you, or browse housing agencies and programs by state.
1. Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps eligible households rent qualifying homes in the private market. HUD funds the program, but local Public Housing Agencies administer applications, waiting lists, eligibility reviews, inspections, and payments.
A household generally pays an income-based portion of rent, while the PHA pays a housing-assistance payment to the landlord, subject to program rules and the local payment standard.
Waiting lists are often long or closed. Some PHAs use lotteries or local preferences.
Read the complete Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher guide and the specific steps for applying for Section 8.
2. Public housing
Public housing consists of rental homes owned or operated by a local housing authority or another public entity. Unlike a tenant-based voucher, the assistance is tied to the public-housing unit.
Eligibility and rent are generally income-based. Properties may serve families, older adults, or people with disabilities. Applicants usually apply through the PHA that manages the property or waiting list.
See Public Housing: What It Is and How to Apply.
3. Project-based rental assistance
Project-based assistance is connected to specific apartments rather than carried by the tenant. A private or nonprofit property owner receives a subsidy so eligible tenants can pay an affordable, often income-based rent.
When a tenant moves out, the assistance usually remains with the unit. Applications are commonly submitted directly to the property or its management company.
Project-Based Vouchers are also tied to specific units but are administered through PHAs under the Housing Choice Voucher program.
4. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartments
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit encourages private investment in income-restricted rental housing. LIHTC is a housing-production and affordability program, not automatically a tenant rent subsidy.
Properties set eligibility and maximum rents under program rules. The maximum rent is generally based on an assumed income level and unit size—not simply 30% of each individual tenant's actual income. Because of that, an LIHTC unit may still be unaffordable to a household with extremely low income unless another subsidy is available.
Learn more in The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and Its Impact on Renters.
5. Section 202 supportive housing for older adults
Section 202 supports affordable housing for very-low-income older adults, generally age 62 or older. Housing is usually provided through nonprofit-owned properties and may include service coordination or access to supportive services.
Applicants generally contact individual properties and may apply to several waiting lists.
See the Section 202 housing guide.
6. Section 811 housing for people with disabilities
Section 811 supports affordable, integrated housing for people with disabilities. The program has different components, including capital advances for nonprofit housing and Project Rental Assistance implemented through state housing agencies.
Application paths vary. Depending on the property or state program, applicants may work with a housing provider, state agency, disability-services organization, or coordinated referral system.
Read the Section 811 housing guide.
7. State and local rental-assistance programs
States, counties, cities, and tribes may fund:
- Short-term rental grants
- Eviction prevention
- Security-deposit assistance
- Shallow rent subsidies
- Tenant-based rental assistance
- Rapid rehousing
- Court-based eviction diversion
- Assistance for specific groups
Eligibility and availability vary considerably. Unlike Section 8, many local programs open and close according to available funding.
8. Emergency and homelessness-prevention assistance
The nationwide Treasury ERA programs created during the pandemic have ended. In 2026, immediate rent help is primarily local and may be funded through state or municipal budgets, HUD grants, philanthropy, courts, or nonprofit fundraising.
These programs can be useful when a household has arrears or faces eviction, but they are usually temporary.
See How to Get Emergency Rental Assistance Fast.
9. Nonprofit and charitable assistance
Local charities may provide one-time help with rent, utilities, deposits, temporary lodging, or other expenses. National organizations usually operate through local affiliates, and not every branch offers financial assistance.
211, community action agencies, legal aid, and local Continuums of Care can help identify active programs.
See Top Nonprofits Providing Rental Assistance.
10. Housing assistance for veterans and people experiencing homelessness
HUD-VASH combines Housing Choice Voucher assistance with case management and clinical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans experiencing homelessness.
HUD's Continuum of Care program and Emergency Solutions Grants support local homelessness-response systems, including shelter, prevention, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
Access commonly begins through the local VA, a coordinated-entry system, outreach provider, shelter, or Continuum of Care.
Which rental-assistance program should you try?
Apply broadly when you are eligible:
- Need immediate help? Look for emergency aid, legal aid, eviction diversion, and nonprofits.
- Need ongoing rent support? Explore Section 8, public housing, and project-based assistance.
- Need an affordable apartment but not necessarily an income-based subsidy? Search LIHTC and other income-restricted properties.
- Age 62 or older? Consider Section 202 in addition to vouchers and public housing.
- Living with a disability? Explore Section 811, accessible public housing, vouchers, and supportive-housing programs.
- At risk of homelessness? Contact the local Continuum of Care or coordinated-entry system.
Applying to one program generally does not prevent you from applying to others, but disclose any assistance you receive and follow each program's rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Section 8 the same as rental assistance?
Section 8 is one form of rental assistance. The term “rental assistance” also includes public housing, project-based subsidies, local grants, nonprofit aid, and other programs.
Is public housing the same as Section 8?
No. Public housing assistance is tied to a publicly managed unit. A tenant-based Section 8 voucher can generally be used with an eligible private-market landlord, subject to PHA approval.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Usually yes. Because many waiting lists are long or closed, applying to several suitable programs may improve your options.
Official resources
Explore your options: Find rental assistance programs near you.
Independent-site disclaimer: RentAssistance.org is an independent directory and informational website. It is not a government agency, Public Housing Agency, or HUD-affiliated organization. Program availability, eligibility rules, waiting-list status, and application procedures vary by location and may change. Confirm details directly with the administering agency before applying.